Lorelai had managed to work herself into some semblance of routine already. It had been four days since 'The Incident in Yoga Class'. Rory insisted that an event of such magnitude must be capitalised - something to do with dramatic flair in storytelling apparently. She and Lane had attempted to write song lyrics about her recent brush with death. Their dedication to the subject was interrupted however the moment the Kim relatives invaded and monopolised all of Lane's time (and a certain amount of Rory's) with something bizarre and religious they were planning. Lorelai didn't fully understand it, and was perfectly happy to keep it that way. If Rory wanted to keep Lane company, that was just fine and dandy. Lorelai however had decided long ago that Seventh Day Adventists were a weird bunch and to be avoided if at all possible.

She had recently acquired a new and strangely willing personal slave in Luke. Lorelai supposed it was because he felt bad for her and didn't want her to die of starvation and pain, maybe he was just bored. Either way, if she didn't drag herself out to the diner at least once before 5pm he'd turn up on her doorstep with a large paper bag of food, and a super sized take-out cup of coffee.

Luke probably hadn't intended the kind gesture to make her less willing to visit the diner, but that was still the end result. If she didn't go to him, Luke came to her and that was preferable by far in Lorelai's opinion. If he came to her she could easily persuade him to hang out with her, which gave her both someone to talk to and food all in the comfort of her own living room. It was a win-win situation.

Rory dumped her book bag on the floor in the hallway along with a large bag of what looked very much like rocks, but were probably Mrs. Kim's latest organic baking triumph. That meant that they would also taste very much like rocks. The music was blaring, and it took quite a lot of yelling before Lorelai even realised there was anyone else in the room and used the remote on the arm of the couch to turn the volume down.

"What did you do?" Rory stopped in her tracks then made her way around the back of the sofa in an attempt to work out just what she was looking at. It was obviously the 'Arts and Crafts' stage of boredom that Lorelai was entering.

"It's really dull around here without you. You realise that there are one hundred and thirty seven cracks in the ceiling of the sitting room alone?"

Rory raised an eyebrow, "I did not know that. Why do you know that?"

"I got bored."

"Ah," Rory nodded in understanding. "So I see …is that the Armada?" She cocked her head to one side to make a closer examination of the ship.

"Titanic."

"Figures. Did you eat all those popsicles just to make the Titanic?" Rory was perfectly used to this kind of display, ever since she'd come home to find her mother had discovered pipe-cleaners, and the many varied joys of making pipe-cleaner people. Rory had the distinct impression that not all of the scenario's Lorelai had created should be viewed by those under 18.

Lorelai grinned broadly, "and a packet of chocolate rolls so I could use the wrappers as a sail. This activity was both fattening and entertaining."

"Well, that's a relief," Rory snagged the packet from the table and fished one out for herself.

"See Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet on the front there? I couldn't simulate the wind without a possibly disastrous venture into the garage for that fan. I decided realism could wait."

"They bear a striking resemblance, and I agree on the issue of the wind. The penguin on the iceberg is a nice touch."

"I thought so. How was school?"

"A bunch of the seniors played a prank with some sheep. A 'first day back' rebellion, or something. One of them ate half of Paige Summerlin's gym shoes then threw up white guk all over the locker room. I think that was very sensible of it. Feet aren't very sanitary."

Lorelai pulled a face, "Ew."

"If a scene from Babe and that one with all the head-spinning from The Exorcist had a love child, it would look like that." Rory took a bite of her chocolate roll, apparently disgusting imagery didn't affect her appetite in the least.

"Got the newsflash already. Ew. Move on."

"Oh, and we helped paint a canvas mural for the Stars Hollow Chinese New Year party. I am officially all glittered out."

"Isn't the point of a mural that you paint it directly on the wall?"

"According to Taylor that isn't a mural. It's graffiti."

Lorelai nodded, not bothering to fight Taylor's slightly neurotic logic. "Do we have a large contingent of Chinese people in Stars Hollow?"

"There are four. Apparently we should all be more multicultural, and this is where it all starts."

"—and the celebration is…"

"On Sunday," Rory finished. "Be there or be square. Don't forget your Lycee."

"Bless you."

Rory ignored her, "Are we going to Luke's for food?"

Lorelai had turned her attention back onto her day's work. "Nope," she responded, repositioning her stick figures, and tugging the sail back into shape.

"Al's?" When there was no response Rory continued, "Want me to call for Pizza?"

Lorelai shook her head, an unexplained smile gracing her features.

Rory huffed out a breath in frustration. "Are we going to sit here and starve?"

"No, we're going to sit here and wait for Luke's to come to us. It's just like magic! Mohammed and his mountain would be proud."

"That could take a while. It's two blocks, and diners aren't exactly known for their athletic ability."

Lorelai peered past Rory at the flashing numbers on the Hello Kitty alarm clock on the mantle. "You've been hanging out at Lane's too much lately. You've been missing out."

"Why?" Lorelai waved a hand at her to shush her.

"Three, two… one," Lorelai lifted a finger and right on cue a loud knocking echoed through the house. "Right on time."

"Time for what?"

"Luke's. Get the door for me will ya."

"I didn't know Luke did delivery."

"Oh, he doesn't. We're special. Ain't that a kick? The last two days, 5 O'clock on the dot. He's very up with punctuality. I like it. Door, go-go-go!"

"I can't believe you have the man trained to bring you food." Rory yelled over her shoulder as she finally made her way to the front door.

"I didn't need to train him, he came housebroken. How great is that?"

Luke stepped over the bags in the doorway, dodging items on the floor was beginning to be second nature. He was definitely a quick learner. "Who came housebroken?"

Lorelai covered seamlessly, "My house-elf. I am Harry Potter, minus the scar and the disturbing past."

"Well that's good to know." Luke deadpanned, dropping the bag into her outstretched arms.

"You know Luke, I could've-- " Rory stopped herself half-way when Lorelai made slashing motions across her neck behind Luke's back. "--really done with some… pie." Rory stuttered out the last part, and watched as Lorelai nodded approvingly.

"This is really great of you Luke," Lorelai added starting to poke around inside the bag.

Luke shrugged, as if to say 'no problem'.

"Hey, there might be some soda in the fridge," Lorelai grinned at him, hoping he'd take the initiative and go get it.

He sighed, "I'll go get it for you." Yup, Luke knew when to take a hint.

"Thanks, Luke!"

Rory poked her in the shoulder, "You're shameless," she accused.

"He has his own free will. I did nothing! I wanted to learn brainwashing, but I got pregnant and dropped out of High School before I could take that class. Snooty schools excel in brainwashing."

"I am capable of walking down to Luke's to get us food."

Lorelai sighed, "Ah, but you, however hard you may try, just don't look as good in plaid." She started pulling items out of the bag, and laying them out on the table in readiness.

"Again, shamelessly--"

"Enjoying being waited on is no bad thing."

Rory continued, completely ignoring her, "Flirting with the proprietor. At least you really shoot for the top."

Lorelai scoffed, "I do not flirt with Luke."

"Oh, you do." Rory flopped down on the couch beside her mother and took the proffered burger, "I'm not stupid."

"I learned that the moment you started reading Moby Dick when you were seven. Most third graders steer clear of whale massacre."

"It wasn't whale massacre, it's a classic, and that is so not the point of this conversation."

"I don't think conversations have points. They strike me as very round fluffy things. Can you move the Titanic for me?"

Rory leaned forward and moved the popsicle stick boat from the coffee table to the floor, still not deterred. "You and Luke…"

"There is no me and Luke."

Rory snorted, a lady-like snort, but it was there. "Yeah, there is."

"This conversation is officially over." Lorelai was an expert at avoidance tactics. Years of her mother had taught her invaluable skills, Rory was an amateur in comparison to Emily. She wouldn't have to try too hard.

"Uh, hi Cleopatra."

Lorelai started talking gobbledegook at a very high pitch just as Luke came back from the kitchen. Rory had her hands over her ears and was yelling something about 'when to stop rowing' and the Nile.

Luke frowned, but made no comment. The last six-months had taught him that it's better to either go with whatever insanity is taking place, or pretend it doesn't even exist. In this case, he went with ignorance.

When Lorelai saw him approach she took a deep breath and turned her attention firmly to the ground. This whole situation was ridiculous. Rory was only kidding, right? It didn't mean anything. Everyone knew she liked her food. A smaller voice in her head tried to squawk something about that making them a perfect match. She suppressed it firmly.

He placed two sodas on the table in front of the girls, and took a closer look at the TV screen which was paused on a pre-movie advert. "What's the film of the evening?"

Lorelai took a steadying breath, choosing to pretend the last couple of minutes hadn't happened. "Love Story. It's a heart rending tale of Love and Death, we'll both be bawling like toddlers by the end. You wanna watch?"

Luke looked a little disturbed at the very idea. "I think--"

"Come on Luke! It's a classic." Rory waved a hand across the table in front of them. "We have so much food, and there's a spare chair right there who really wants a friend."

Lorelai jumped in, "If you stay I promise I will eat something green, of your choosing…"

Rory turned to her in surprise and hissed, "You will?" Lorelai gave her a 'yeah, right' look and turned back to Luke with a purposely hopeful expression on her face.

"What do you say?"

"I shouldn't. Caesar…"

Lorelai let out a long sigh, "can handle it," she finished for him and reached out to grab Luke's arm before he could move further away. "You gotta let loose once in a while Duke."

"You start calling me that again, I leave." Despite his words, he didn't make any indication that he intended to walk away.

Lorelai gripped tighter still. "No, Luke. I'm sorry. Duke has left the building, I swear. Come on."

"If I stay, will you stop cutting off all the blood circulation to my hand?"

Dropping his hand as if it had burned her Lorelai looked up at him sheepishly, "Sorry, and yes."

Luke dropped into the spare seat, and Rory watched her mother, who was shifting anxiously trying to get comfortable, in amusement.

Luke stretched, and let out a heartfelt; "Finally!" as the credits rolled.

"Finally? Where's your romantic side at Cool Hand?" Lorelai was looking a little watery-eyed, but quickly wiped her cheeks before turning to face him fully. She'd seen the movie God knows how many times, and it still had her crying at the end.

"I lost all memory of the concept around about a third of the way in."

"Seriously? I can't believe you, this is a beautiful movie."

"It's depressing."

"Not true!"

"Just as you're finally getting invested in the relationship and it's all working out, she dies. That's depressing."

Lorelai reached over and hit his forearm, shaking her head and allowing her fingers to trail along his wrist before she retracted her hand. "It's supposed to be romantic. They both found that perfect person to be with, if only for a short time. It's better to have loved and lost, and all that."

"Death is rarely romantic."

Lorelai shook her head in disbelief then peered over the cushions piled up between her and Rory. "Aaw, all that preparation for Lane's relatives obviously wore the kid out."

"You sure that movie didn't induce narcolepsy?"

"Shut yo' mouth, boy!"

There were a couple of long moments of silence, then, "Are you just going to leave her there?"

Lorelai shrugged, leaning over further in order to assess how deeply Rory was gone. The result came back as a resounding 'dead to the world'. "Unless you have a better plan - she gets cranky when her sleep is disrupted, something about not being able to concentrate the next day."

"If she sleeps on the couch she'll end up with a neck crick, which will also make her cranky and distracted."

"You want to move her, be my guest."

Luke looked seriously hesitant, but lifted her from the couch anyway, the ease with which he moved her made it look like she weighed nothing. Lorelai had given up carrying Rory around when she was about six, claiming weakness and fatigue. Luke seemed to have no such issues.

"Uh, where should I put her?" he whispered.

Lorelai gave him some vague directions including the phrase 'turn right at the Buddha', and Luke set off to find Rory's room.

By the time he got back to Lorelai had moved and was sat on the floor by the VCR rewinding the film, leg out at the most awkward angle he'd ever seen. That couldn't be comfortable. The grimace that appeared on her face at the smallest movement confirmed that thought.

"You still taking those painkillers?"

Lorelai shook her head. "As fun as they are… and they are pretty fun. I don't much like being that out of it. If something happened, or something went wrong, I would be zero use to Rory, and…" she trailed off and shrugged. "Anyway," Lorelai seemed to be dragging herself out of her brief serious moment. It was rare that she broke her constant stream of chatter and jokes. It was a quieter side she'd never really shown around Luke before. In their limited diner-based conversations she's never faltered from her sunny, comedic self. It was only in the last week or so they'd really broken into being anything more than just Diner man and customer.

Lorelai removed the video and shoved it back onto the coffee table, then looked up at him hopefully. "You feel like acting as a leaning post again?"

Luke didn't respond, just raised an eyebrow at her in confusion.

"My crutches are upstairs." She explained, pointing to the ceiling in clarification.

Luke rolled his eyes. Trust her. "How did you get down here?"

"Slid down the stairs. It's actually quite fun, very like tobogganing except you don't lose the feeling in your ass because of the cold."

"I thought you vetoed the carpet-sliding idea…"

"Yeah, then I changed my mind and decided it seemed like the best way to get down here without falling all the way down and landing in a very graceful heap at the bottom."

"For once I think you made a sensible choice."

Lorelai pouted, "I'm not sure if I should be offended by that comment or not."

Luke said nothing. She wasn't quite certain whether that was a good thing either. Then he slipped him arm around her back taking most of her weight, and helped her off the floor and towards the staircase. Now, that was definitely a good thing. No complaints from her. No siree.

As they mounted the last of the stairs, she caught the tip of her cast on the top step, stumbling awkwardly. Luke's arms were immediately looped tightly around her waist, and were, quite possibly, the only thing keeping her upright at that point. That, and the fact she was gripping fistfuls of his flannel shirt as if her life depended on it.

One of his large hands was now cupping her hip, supporting her, the other gripping the banister. Her eyes strayed to his hands, nice hands, big hands... big hands, big – no! Bad thoughts, bad thoughts. Rory's earlier speculation seemed to have turned a big 'I like Luke!' switch on somewhere in the vicinity of her brain, and now she couldn't seem to turn it off or tune it out anymore. It was blaring through loud and clear. Damn it.

His palm was now pinning her against him firmly, and the heat from his chest was seeping slowly through her shirt and into her skin.

"Are you going to move?" Her own words echoed around her head, sounding far breathier than she'd like. She wished the tingling sensation in her stomach would go away. It was seriously off-putting.

Luke seemed to consider it, keeping his eyes on hers. "You're standing on my foot."

"Oh," Lorelai gasped out, shifting her cast off his foot. Nice one, Gilmore. "I'm sorry, I'm-- ah."

His hand slipped from the curve of her hip, and moved round to support the small of her back once more as she tried to move.

She chuckled nervously, and babbled on in an attempt to salvage the situation. "You do seem to be doing a lot of carrying us Gilmore girls around lately. Is it just because you get to make a manly show of strength, or do you really like us?" Lorelai regretted the question almost as soon as it had left her lips. Her gaze dropped to the blue flannel on his shoulder almost immediately. It was several seconds before she took a deep breath, and met his eyes again.

Luke waited for a long moment, considering whether he should risk it or not. Then forged ahead, "What if I said it was a little of both…" he admitted.

A slow smile spread across Lorelai's face, and the number of butterflies under her ribcage seemed to suddenly increase exponentially in number as the space for breath in her lungs decreased.

"Good response," she told him quietly.